Things to Know About Living in Puerto Rico
Are you among the 5 million people that visit Puerto Rico each year?
To be sure, this beautiful island has earned its place on the list of extraordinary and unique places in the world.
Stunning beaches, warm weather, and great food draws hoards of tourists and keeps the locals happy year-round.
For these (and many other) reasons, more and more people are relocating to Puerto Rico.
If you’re thinking of moving to Puerto Rico, what do you need to know?
In this post, we’ll explore what it’s really like living in Puerto Rico so you can make the choice that’s best for you.
Puerto Rico: An Overview
Nestled in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is the postcard vision of a tropical paradise.
But once you leave the beach behind, what’s it like living there daily? In a word, awesome.
Temperatures year-round are between 75 and 85 degrees, making it a comfortable climate for most people.
Most citizens are bilingual, meaning it’s easy to get by even if your Spanish is a little rusty.
The cost of living is on-par or slightly lower than the mainland US.
Buying a home from a company like Strong|Edge Realty can result in significantly lower payments than renting a house.
Puerto Ricans are a friendly and vibrant bunch that welcomes newcomers with open arms.
With an endless string of festivals and thriving music, art, and tech communities, you won’t have any trouble making new friends.
Do you have to sacrifice any comforts of home to move to Puerto Rice? Not at all.
The infrastructure is well-developed and you’ll find familiar stores like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Costco for your shopping needs.
Of course, there are also plenty of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to discover.
And since you’re on a tropical island, you can plant and grow your own fruits and vegetables year-round.
Legalities and Tax Benefits
Puerto Rico is an easy transition for Americans because it uses the US dollar. Even though it’s not a state, Puerto Ricans are born with US citizenship.
Just like home, Puerto Rico has Social Security, Medicare, and Worker’s Compensation.
While you will need to get some healthcare coverage, the medical system is much cheaper than the US while still providing excellent care.
Another bonus of living in Puerto Rico?
It offers incredible tax breaks and benefits to Americans. In fact, it’s become something of a haven for the super-rich.
Even if you’re not rich, you’re sure to benefit from the tax break and the fact that you can stay on the island pretty much restriction-free.
Final Thoughts on Living in Puerto Rico
As you can see, living in Puerto Rico has a lot to offer.
From warm waters and friendly locals to delicious food and tax breaks, it’s no wonder so many people are eager to call it “home.”
Your life will change forever once you make the move. The question is: Are you ready for it?
To help you answer that, be sure to read our checklist of things to consider before making a major move abroad.
